10.16 Weekend Condo: We're Baacckkkkk! And as Busy as Ever... Happy Weekend L&LL! New: DH update! !

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Michelle and Mannie (GA), Oct 16, 2016.

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  1. Michelle and Mannie (GA)

    Michelle and Mannie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    After a brief Hiatus, the Land of the Three Musketeers, and the land of memories of MannieLand, is back. Life has been incredibly busy, and well... I was really torn the past few months if I should even be posting here anymore, as it has been such a long time since Mannie crossed, and took up residency at the Rainbow bridge, now being co-owner and master chef at Two Cats Kitchen at the Bridge along with master chef Stu. It was pointed out to me that there are those that enjoyed reading my ramblings, and missed it. So in view of that, I'll try and keep this going, if folks and beans want to read what is up with the crew here. Let me know what you think.... So off we go, a month in the life of The Three Musketeers, aka Vanessa, Bug and Lola, and the Dynamic Duo, aka Nicholas and William.

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    Rest assured that our resident L&LL Kitteh barista, Vanessa, has been on the job every morning. There sure are alot of apples, and pumpkins, and caramel squares going into her kitchen, something to do with apple and caramel infused mochas, and pumpkin spice lattes. :smuggrin: The :coffee::coffee::coffee::coffee::coffee::coffee: MUST be delivered she says. :cool: Paw Prints Pizza is busy doing their thing too, lots of pies needed for OTJ parties. Paw Prints Pizza has a new creation, Pumpkin Spiced Catnip Crusted Pizza. :eek: Between apples and pumpkins and caramel, and catnip pizza crust, and the mochas and all that pizza, the house sure smells good! Vanessa just handed me her blog entry for today, so here goes....
    "LL! It's is I, Vanessa, president and CEO of The Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! Bug and Lola, Co-CEO's of Paw Prints Pizza are open, and ready for business! Lots of kitteh treats in them pies, tuna, chicken and shrimps! And that pumpkin Spice Pie is pure purrfection! All on their signature catnip crust. It is mega good. They also have a dessert berry pie, lots of whip cream to holds it all together. So.... order early, and party hearty! I have been very busy this weekend too! My special for today is a coffee infused 4 berry and watermelon frappe, mainly becasue I still wish it was summer! :rolleyes: It is mega good, I swear! So..... Coffee time! :coffee::coffee::coffee: For today, I proudly offer Vanessa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and triple shot espressos, with beans from Starbucks Pike Place Market, their original blend, AND.... for all my Mocha fans: : a Venti quad dutch apple infused white mocha, with caramel whip, garnished with caramelized apple clusters, white chocolate shavings and a caramel drizzle...... SWEET! OH! No worries, a dollop of apple and vanilla and chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, sprinkled with crystallized apple bits and a chocolate caramel drizzle......SWEET! I still remembers how Elsa loved her ice cream on top of those mochas. Vanessa's bakery is all stocked for today too: baguettes and croissants and donut holes, including my signature berry jams. I have a new one: watermelon! Just cuz I still wish it was summer... They too is mega goods. I made them myself! :cat:"

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    Vanessa, CEO of Coffee Cat :cat: [​IMG]

    Vanessa, Lola and Bug are well. There really is not much new with them. As the days go by Bug continues to remind me, of late more so, of Mannie. Mannie always visited me every morning once I got up, and attempted that get it together look in the bathroom. He'd sit and watch and make sure I didn't look freaky. :p Bug now visits me everyone morning, just like Mannie, and we share head buts and chin scritches and pets. It's a really nice time. Vanessa continues to be the matriarch of the group, and more or less rules the house. Somehow she has managed to keep our wild eyes crazy kitty Lola in line, most of the time. She is still the keeper of the nanners, a tradition passed onto her by Mannie. I have no doubt on that. The way she handles them is just like Mannie. It is ever so fun to watch her carry them from room to room. Recently she has started sleeping on them, another Mannie-ism. She has become my evening on my lap kitty, she will curl up there and purr and purr and purr. I secretly think she is trying to butter me up so she can have more kitty treats. She LOVES kitty treats. many a time during the evening she will come and sit by me and just meow and paw at me until I get up and give her a treat or two. So funny!I will have to get a video of that. Vanessa continues to bring me kitty toys to play with and share, day an night. I continue to wake up to see that Vanessa had brought me nanners, always setting them all next to my head on my pillow. I opened my eyes to see nothing but those nanners. :woot::joyful: Thank you Vanessa!! Lola is ... well..... LOLA! She has mellowed out some, but still is our feisty lets just go for it, anything, and have fun kitty. She remains our escape artist, managing to bolt through any opening offered. I am still working on Lola's catio.... sadly not much progress. It too has fallen by the wayside, as did the prior weeks weeks condo. My son Matt has been by over the summer, and was able to take Lola out for a few short outdoor visit. She was elated! One of his days here she did escape, and he let her stay out, under a watchful eye. A few Caturdays ago I had gone off to get coffee, and off to the store after that. When I can home, there was Lola, rolling in the dirt in the front yard. :eek::eek::eek::eek: I have no clue how long she had been out there, never did see her escape. I must find her cloak of invisibility! She was one happy kitteh. WOW, maybe someone is running a fall/winter special on catios... part of what is holding me back is the cost involved to get her what I want to build, as she really needs spaces enclosed where she can run. Mega $$$$. :blackeye::confused::eek::eek: It has been a good few week for Lola, Bug and Vanessa. Normalcy rules in Three MusketeerVille! :cat::cat::cat:

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    Bug, Lola and Vanessa, on a sunny day a month ago... They miss this sunshine!



    DH update: it has been sometime since I have posted anything on DH, his battle with cancer, etc. As of his last appt, there was no evidence of cancer, seems the chemo and the surgery took care of it. Excellent news, He will be back in the oncologist office on 10/22 for another scan to be sure that continues to be the case, and we can say cancer-free with more confidence! His recovery from the surgery ordeal, and the chemo, really took a toll, and his recovery has been very slow. He is up and about, but still tires very easily. He continues to walk daily out doors when weather permits. With our typical fall wet weather we are looking at other ways to keep him up and walking. He has yet to return to driving anywhere, as he wants to have his cataract surgery done so he can see better, before driving again. With the cancer we had to put that on hold until he had been though chemo and surgery. That appt is set for 12/8. He continues to see his PCP monthly, to monitor recurring anemia, pulmonary function, neurology issues, and cardio things as well. He will also start seeing a pulmonary specialist to try and improve lung function. Appts there have gone well. So.... We keep on truckin'!


    Nicholas and William Update: This fall Nicholas started Kindergarten. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: OMG!, and where has time gone! So far he really loves kindergarten, is excited to go to school everyday. He is in an all day Kindergarten, and has handled the transition to all day school five days a week extremely well. In addition to basic Kindergarten curriculum, his school also focuses on the technology (he has computer labs twice a week), music classes twice a week, Spanish class once a week (Hola! he says! :joyful:), art and PE. He is having the best of times! His favorite so far, probably a duh (!!) is the three (yes three) recesses! :woot::joyful::smuggrin::smuggrin: And Computer Tech labs, he loves that class. This Fall William has started preschool. OMG again, and where has time gone! He goes on Tuesday and Thursday, for three hours each day. He is also so excited to be in school, as he says: "just like Nicky!" He is doing well there, no separation anxiety, and literally runs to class once he is at the front door. :cool: Both boys have grown so much socially, making new friends right and left. It is so nice to see our shy little William making friends on his own, and interacting now with other children. :cool: We have adjusted to the new schedule, and having Nicholas in school all day, and William gone part of the day. That does give me some additional free time, which somehow I managed to fill with this and that, no problem... :rolleyes: It is so odd for me to have both boys in school. I now have those TH morning hours free, and hope to also fill it with some of my own pool times, focusing on river walks. It has been an adjustment having Nicholas in school all day, I really miss having him around. William does too, but he also at the same time really loves having Grammie, and our adventures, all to himself.

    Our adventures continue, as much as this new school thing allows us to do. Mornings and afternoons have been filled with adventure. We have been over the course of the past month to the Pacific Science Center, The Seattle Aquarium and Waterfront, The Imagine Children's Museum for our indoor focus, and City Park, Meadowdale Play Park, Edmonds Marina and Beach, 132nd Street Park, and Wilcox Park. Before Nicholas started school we made every effort to get him to all his favorite places, as those visits will not be as frequent for him, reserved for half and off days at school. What I find admirable, and caring on Nicholas's part is that he is so happy that William can still go to them, even if he can't. WTG Nicholas! Nicholas has had two no school days this past month, and both William and I decided he should be able to pick where we went. First up was the Pacific Science Center, probably a duh (!). He loves that place, and we did all there was to do there, and then some. :smuggrin: He had so hoped to go to the Aquarium on his second off day, but due to the recent nasty storms hitting our area resulting in freeway nightmares and closed lanes, and a visit by Clinton that shut down streets in DT Seattle for a good portion of the day, we had to stay out of Seattle... a bummer. He chose the Imagine Children's Museum as his alternative, and had a very good time while there. The place is very good at triggering imagination in young children. It was a good choice. Next day off, in about two weeks: the Aquarium! I can remember back to summer, when Nicholas was so worried, and mildly upset, that he would no longer be able to visit these places, due to school. I told him we would make every effort to go when he didn't have school. It is nice to see that we have been able to make most of that happen for him. He is very happy in school, and now that he knows he can still do other things, well... life is very good for him. It is also very good for William, who now has some "freedom" and is growing into an independent, able to make new friends, young boy, and still maintain the already established bond with his brother.

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    Nicholas, hard at work with one of his water engineering projects: Imagine Children's Museum

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    William, train conductor! He loves the train set up here, it is a good one. Imagine children's Museum

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    Nicholas, teaching William about gears. Something he learned at school. Cool! Pacific Science Center

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    Nicholas & William: interacting with the Koi: Butterfly House, Pacific Science Center



    Nicholas and William are still swimming, and have started the fall scheduling for Swim lessons, and free fun swim play time. William began swim lessons this past August, and just loves them. Energizer fishie #2 in training! He is having such fun with it, is a bit timid with it all, but says he LOVES swim class. They are now in late afternoon classes, Mondays and Wednesday, with some free time after lessons to just have fun. I was so glad we have been able to make that extra time after lessons happen. Nicholas is ever the energizer fishie, and I hope somehow to find more pool time for him, as he really loves it all. One of the senior instructors approached me his first day of fall session, asked how hold he was, and when I told her just 5 1/2, she was amazed at how good he is being as young as he is. She made it a point to tell me about swim team.... ;) Well, we will see how this all pans out, and if Nicholas decides he wants to go on that path, mo-re power too him. I think he'd make an excellent swimmer. On one half day at school for Nicholas a few weeks ago he asked if he could swim the afternoon recreational; swim session so he could play there, do the lazy river and the water slides. William as all on board for that too so off we went. What was so cool was that Nicholas has now grown enough (req: 48" tall) that he can ride the big green water slide, where one takes inner tubes down for the ride. That is a blast! The pool folks also let William ride the blue slide, his first ever time riding solo on a water slide. OMG, he couldn't get enough of that, and rode it over and over again. What an awesome afternoon for them both. We hope to be able to do this again on Nicholas's next half day. :cool::joyful: We continue to swim on Friday Nights at the Snohomish pool, for just pure fun. It is such a wonderful fun pool. Both boys love it there, view Friday night as a special treat. and of course we are still doing the post swim Friday Night Burger Feast! Duh.... ;):rolleyes::cool: Without a doubt SWIMMING RULES!!! As always, we are grateful for our time in the pool. It has all enabled to boys to explore another aspect of growing up, one they really enjoy. It has just become the norm for us, we go each week, and just never tire of it. It proves to be such fun for both boys, and their excitement with it all has not wavered.
    GO NICHOLAS! GO WILLIAM !! [​IMG][​IMG]

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    Nicholas, our underwater, 100% energizer fishie! Snohomish Aquatic Center

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    William. at home, beneath the surface: Lynnwood Recreation Center


    For my own time I continue to hike the local trails: Meadowdale, Mesika, Bug Gulch, Edmonds Marina, Scriber Lake, and whatever else I can find in whatever free time I can muster. It is nice to have local options, a small mini out in the woods hikes! A few weeks ago I was able to take in a MT Rainier Hike: the Fremont Lookout. That was outstanding, and would do it again, no doubt. it is a very popular hike, alot of f0lks there, alot of camaraderie! The views of rainier and surrounding area were great. I even saw an elk or two, and lots of mountain goats. :):cool: I elected to add a trail or too to make it more of a loop hike, managing to make a 5 mile hike into a 10 miler. HAHA!, but it was fun, gorgeous views too! Weather, and never ending DR appts for DH have made getting out on hikes a challenge this year. There have been so few free days.... Some days I have had to opt for just taking that drive, and traveling through the mountains, up into the North cascades, and also over to Leavenworth and the Alpine Wilderness. Leavenworth area is gorgeous. I was elated to be able to squeeze in some short hikes on the Tumwater Pipeline, and Icicle Gorge. The fall colors this year are outstanding, lots of vibrant reds and oranges, and the yellows are so vivid. The drive alone was worth the trip. I regret not being able to spend time this year in the North Cascades, it is my favorite spot. Days off and weather just didn't coincide this year for me, but... we did mange a few visits: Washington Pass, Rainy lake, and Diablo Overlook, Canyon Creek, and Diablo Lake. Another case where the drive was so worth the time, even if weather conditions weren't the best. The larches were out, and I was happy. :cool::woot::woot::woot: With snows now in those mountains we shift our fall and winter hiking to the lowlands, and hope for some excellent fall weather. :)

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    Liberty Bell, Washington Pass: LOVE the larches!

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    Rainy Lake, North Cascades



    Have a great Weekend everyone! It is rather low-key here... I spent Caturday catching on home duties, and managed a local walk, early in the day before the ongoing storms and WIND and RAIN waves hit. I did do a very short 2 miler in the woods mid afternoon. That was nice, love how it can be so peaceful in the woods, even when WET. it has been raining all day here today.... I so hope it will stop, just for a few, so I can get in a woods walk, maybe even the beach. Paws crossed! Have a great week everyone!

    KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN :cat::cat::cat: [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2016
  2. Anne & Zener GA

    Anne & Zener GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2011
    Great news on DH, and thanks for the update on the boys and the kitties. Hope you are all weathering the storm!

    Anne
     
  3. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2012
    I had just posted in Rusty's condo that I hoped you kept posting updates and then saw this. I'm so glad things are going well for everyone. It sounds like your normal, busy, fun week. I hope your DH's appointment on 10/22 goes well. Sending prayers.
     
  4. Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

    Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Wow, Michelle! What a great condo! So much happening in your world. The kitties look great. Poor Lola will have to wait another year for her catio, but it looks like she is able to get outdoors anyway!:cat: Vanessa, the coffee every day is so much appreciated. Thank you, Kitteh Barista! Bug, keep those pizzas coming. You and Lola do a great job and all the kitties love them. They will enjoy them at the party tonight.
    The boys have really grown this summer. So great to hear that they are enjoying school, swimming, and all the neat trips Grammie takes them on!
    Michelle, those pictures of your hikes are stunning. I guess the rainy season won't put a damper on your activities this fall!

    More vines for your DH's recovery. It's terrific that he is remaining cancer free.

    Rusty says hi to his Auntie Michelle. He's trying to live up to the example of his mentor, Chef Mannie.

    Have a great week and write another condo when you have time. It doesn't have to be once a week!

    Hugs and scritches,

    Ella & Rusty
     
  5. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Michelle, of course we want to continue to read your updates! They are a staple here at L&L Land.

    I'm so happy to read that your DH continues to do well. I'm sure he's frustrated that his recovery hasn't been faster, but it sounds like the majority of the steps have been forward, which is awesome. One only has to recall everything he's been through to marvel at where he is now. I pray that he continues to gain strength and is able to return to doing all the things he enjoys. Vines for the upcoming doctor visits.

    As for the kitties - LOVE the nanner queen! What personalities they all have. I notice your printer is officially a cat perch, with a cushion! If you can't beat 'em....;)

    The boys look great and it's good to know nothing slows them down.

    The scenic pictures you post make me long to visit your state. So much beauty.

    Keep it coming!
     
  6. Michelle and Mannie (GA)

    Michelle and Mannie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    @Anne & Zener GA ~ Hi Anne :coffee::coffee::coffee: THX on DH. :) Such a battle it all is, but so far things are looking good. YAY! All is well, including the boys, and the furkids, even feisty Missy Lola :rolleyes::cat:What would I do without that cat... probably have a few less gray hairs. :smuggrin::smuggrin::smuggrin: We have survived the storm.The brunt of it seems to have headed north, poor Vancouver! We got the rains and the winds, but a much milder version. I love it when the weather guys mess up, just a little. ;)

    @carfurby ~ Hi Carla :coffee::coffee::coffee: THX on the posting. I appreciate reading that. :cool: Yupp, we are doing well, just busy and tired by weeks end. To be expected I guess, as those two boys are very active! :eek::joyful: THX on DH. The appts are all going well, for that he is very grateful! Paws crossed for the one on 10/22 with the oncologist. That is a big one.

    @Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) ~ Hi Ella :coffee::coffee::coffee: THX on the condo, and yes, so much is going on. There is never a slow or unoccupied moment... :eek:;) THX too on the furkids. I am grateful that they are doing well, no problems at all. I feel bad for Lola and her catio/outdoor enclosure. I had really wanted to get that done for her this summer. I will, hopefully, still try and see if I can get some estimates done this fall. Maybe they can build over the winter. I just could not believe how much all this would cost. It wouldn't be too bad if I didn't want tunnels for her too. She so needs to be able to run, she thrives on running. Well, paws crossed! Oh yes on the boys, and the growth. I cannot believe how tall Nicholas is now - 4 feet! William is over 3 feet. They will be tall ones! I too am so glad that school is good for them. They are happy with it, no problems so far. YAY! The pool still rules for them, that is music to my ears. Lessons for them are going well too. :cool: I am also glad that the adventures can still be done for Nicholas, even if they aren't as frequent, he still can get them in. A relief! Many many thanks on the hike photos. I so hope you are right and I can continue to get to them over fall and winter. I shall miss my mountains, but know they will still be there next summer. THX for the DH vines, so appreciated. It is one week to go before the next scan. paws crossed it is a good one.
    Rusty, dude! You are one cool kitty, and one fine master chef. I know how proud Mannie is of you. He misses cooking with his best buddy. Keep on cooking!
    Auntie Ella! THX you! I LOVES my job! and well Lola and Bug? they love pizza! They hope you like their new creation;:pumpkin spice spies. A little weird, but they are good. They say they will bring one to the Party tonight. WOOOOOOOOOOOO, we LUVS full moons! ~~ Vanessa, kitteh barista, and Lola and Bug, aka Paw Prints pizza

    @Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey ~ Hi Tricia :coffee::coffee::coffee: Thx on the condos. I just wasn't sure, and it has been such a long time since I have had an FD kitty... I am glad that there are those that still want to read my babble. :) Yes on DH, he is somewhat frustrated. Recovery has been incredibly long, in part due to his COPD, and then lung cancer, and the fact that he is now missing 1/4 of his lungs. Breathing can be hard sometimes. Through in all the other medical issues over the past five years, well as you way he has been through alot. You are right though the steps taken have been forward, and things are basically going well. THX on those vines! LOL, and me too on the nanner queen. It is as if Mannie left part of his soul with each one of them. Vanessa got his love for nanners, Bug got his calm demeanor, and Lola got his love for the outdoors. You are right, they all have such distinct personalities, I love the diversity all that brings to life here. HAHAHAHHAHAHAHA and yes on the printer! That is Vanessa's perch, where she sleeps most of the time. I couldn't stop her from doing it, so I thought might as well go with the flow, put a bed up there. At least now all her cat fluff stays out of the printer! :smuggrin::smuggrin::smuggrin::smuggrin: :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: THX too on Nicholas and William. Right you are again, nothing slows them down. I really enjoy that about them both. They both love adventure, and being on the go, seeing and doing fun cool things. THX very much on the hiking pics. That area is ever so pretty! One of the countries thru hikes goes through that area. I've been lucky enough to be able to hike just a small portion of it. I never tire of what those mountains offer. They bring me peace and solitude and a sense of well being. I couldn't be more grateful.

    So... yes.... guess I'll keep it coming! :):smuggrin::cool::cat:
     
  7. Michelle and Mannie (GA)

    Michelle and Mannie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Hi everyone! Sorry to have been so absent... busy rules here.

    I did want to give everyone a DH update. He was in to see his oncologist today. Once again his scan came back clear. YAY!! He remains cancer free. They will do another scan in 4 months. He is so grateful!
     
    Ollie (GA) likes this.
  8. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2012
    Wonderful news! [​IMG]
     
  9. Woody/Cheryl (mom)

    Woody/Cheryl (mom) Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2016
    You have a beautiful family! Love seeing all your activities...needed a little reminder today that there is life out there waiting to be had! Love seeing your kiddies in the pool and your kitties at the coffee shop. Makes me want to travel your way and get a cup of coffee and meet the CEO in person. I can feel your positive energy which is contagious and am so grateful your DH is doing well.
     
  10. suki & crystal (GA)

    suki & crystal (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2014
    Great news on your DH Michelle, and yes, please keep the condos coming, love reading about your family, both furry and non furry.
     
  11. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2011
    So wonderful to see an update!! I'm glad to hear DH is doing well. I have heard that recovery from all the kind of stuff he has been through is very, very time-consuming, but he is getting there!

    Wow on the kids - I can't believe how many specialized classes Nicholas has! I remember going to kindergarten and playing and not doing much else!

    Oh those kitties...such sweeties, all of them!

    I know it's hard to manage weekly updates with all that you've got going, but it's a bit of "home" when you are able to stop by with updates!
     
  12. Michelle and Mannie (GA)

    Michelle and Mannie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    @carfurby , @suki & crystal (GA) , @Amy&TrixieCat , @Woody/Cheryl (mom) THANKS everyone! it was so nice to get a good report from the oncologist. The nerves are on high alert before the appointment, and such a relief when things come back good. So now we wait for the next scan in 4 months, and continue on what is now a great path. THX too on the condo stuff. I know sometimes that these simple reminders that there is a life out there, a good one, a manageable one, when dealing with FD, and other issues. We can do things despite the hurdles we look at daily. I can so remember what life was like when Mannie was still with us.

    @Amy&TrixieCat - you are so right on the time consuming aspect of DH's recovery. It is no surprise that after 3.5 weeks in the ICU, for cancer surgery recovery alone, that things are taking alot of time. Kitten steps! THX too on Nicholas's school. I was the same as you, we played alot in Kindergarten. Not Nicholas. There is that aspect, but they also do so many specialized things, all in a fun way. He just loves school. THX too on the bit of "home" - appreciated!

    @Woody/Cheryl (mom) - THX Cheryl. Your comments are so appreciated. We try so hard to remain positive. Vanessa, our resident kitteh barista, says the :coffee::coffee::coffee: shop is always open, stop on by.
     
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